Summer Is Supposed To Be Fun!

As a parent, we all feel responsible for insuring that our family has a”good” summer. Summer plans can be learning experiences, traveling, visiting a friend, going to a swimming pool or participating in sporting events.

Here are 4 GREAT tips for family adventures in the summer that don’t involve a whole lot of money.

1. Discover your community, state and area.

We do not take advantage of what’s in our”back yard”. Look online as if you were not living in the area, but as a tourist. You’ll be amazed at what you may find.

2. Find free workshops, classes or day camps

Many communities provide fun workshops, courses or day camps that are free. Look online or ask in community Facebook groups. A sample post could be”I’m looking for some free workshops or courses for my children who are 10 and 12 in the area. Would love suggestions.”

If your kids are too old to take part, have them volunteer for a helper or counselor.

3. When your child says”I am tired”.

If your kid is bored, that is a good thing! Many kids are over-scheduled and need time to be bored, to explore their minds and find activities that will get themselves out of boredom. Kids are responsible for their own fun and games too. Have a list of parent approved activities as soon as your children say this. Let them be responsible for completing the actions on the list! If your kid doesn’t like the list, have him/her research fun, free summer activities for children. Get them engaged in their own fun! I quickly search”when my kid says I’m bored” and found many lists which you can use!

4. Make an event”Special”.

In my home, I cook”special brownies”. So, it’s not a particular recipe or distinctive anything – I just call it “Tamarac Wildlife Removal” and guess what? It’s special. You can choose an everyday, ordinary meal, event or game and make it be a”special” thing for your family by calling it special. Try it!

Allow your kids to be involved in the summer activity planning. This helps insure that everyone is committed to the family, has a voice in the decision making process and will participate in the summertime fun! But bear in mind, as parents you are not totally responsible to insure your kids are not bored – provide fun activities and opportunity that will allow them to have a terrific summer and maybe even learn a few things!